Liver abscess after transarterial chemoembolization combined with molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy in the treatment of liver cancer: A case series report

Abstract

Abstract PurposeThere has been no study on the complications of liver abscess in patients treated with Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy (TACE-M-I). The aim of this study was to examine the complications of liver abscess in patients treated with TACE alone, TACE-M, or TACE-M-I.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data on patients with liver cancer who received TACE in our institution between January 2016 and November 2020. A total of 2203 patients received 5286 TACE: 78 patients received TACE-M, 28 patients received TACE-M-I, and 68 patients received TACE. ResultsIn this study, a total of 12 patients developed liver abscess after TACE; among them, 1 patient developed liver abscess after TACE-M, and 2 patients developed liver abscess after TACE-M-I. The incidence of liver abscess was 0.43% (9/2097) among all patients who received TACE and 1.3% (1/78) among patients who received TACE-M. The incidence of liver abscess in patients who received TACE-M-I was 7.1% (2/28). After infection, ALT, AST, creatine, leukocyte, and neutrophil were higher than those before TACE. After drainage of the abscess and the application of antibacterial agents, the ALT, leukocyte, and neutrophil decreased to normal levels. All patients recovered and were discharged after liver abscess treatment.ConclusionLiver abscess is a rare complication after TACE, but molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapy might increase the incidence of liver abscess for patients who received TACE. Clinicians should focus on caring for these patients. Abscess drainage and antibacterial agents are good treatment choices for these patients.